As the Christmas season fast approaches, Nigerians have been apprised of the looming increase in foodstuffs and livestock due to multiple taxation and the proliferation of checkpoints across the country.
This was contained in a statement by Alh Ahmed Alaramma, General Secretary of Amalgamated Union of foodstuffs and cattle dealers of Nigeria, made available to peoplereporters.com.
“The multiple taxation for a truckload of cattle often amount to about 450,000 which is higher than the transportation cost of 330,000. Similarly, the illegitimate charges on truckload of foodstuff are about 226,000.
“There are over 30 military checkpoints, the police checkpoints are over 110 and other security agencies mount separate checkpoints in 35 locations. All the extra cost of procuring foodstuff and cattle, transportation and settling touts from the points of production and primary market on the way to the urban areas of need, is consequently passed on to the final consumers. In other words, the extra cost of foodstuff and cattle in our country has a direct connection with the illegal levies and multiple taxes extorted from our members.
“Our pleas are that everyone should prevail on all lawful authorities in our country to end the illegal levies, multiple taxation, endemic harassment and offensive extortion of members of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers.
“The lawful conduct of all will therefore, result that consumer goods are supplied to the people at affordable prices and for the general wellbeing of our country” he concluded
Also speaking, General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja called on all stakeholders to put an end to the torture, extortion and tyranny melted on members of her affiliate Union as such unhealthy practices will lead to consequential increase in foodstuffs and livestock.
He appealed to the relevant agencies to up their game in ensuring that such price cataclysm is averted for the benefit of the masses.